20 Best Tips

Little Passports USA Edition Review

Learning US Geography with Little Passports copy

 
Our youngest son loves it when packages from the Little Passport world edition show up in the mailbox for him. Meanwhile, two other kiddos look on and want to be a part of the fun. When we were given the opportunity to review the Little Passports USA edition, I knew just who would be excited about helping out! We were sent the first three months to use together and then share our opinion with others.

Their requests of “Can we do Little Passports today?” should be a good indication of what they think about the program. They are in love with this fun program, learning some US geography at the same time, and I .

About Little Passports USA Edition

Little Passports

Before children begin receiving the monthly packets from Little Passports that teach about individual states, they receive a starter packet in the mail {pictured above} that includes a field guide, a full color US map, a scratch book, pocket to store materials, a disposable camera, and a letter from Sam and Sophia.

Our kids immediately had the map hanging on the wall and we started filling in answers in the field guide. The scratch book was a fun way for the kids to learn about various landmarks around the USA.

Little Passports USA Edition start pack

We did not use the included disposable camera for the activities, but saved it to use another time. Instead our children used a digital camera because they tend to be a little overzealous in the picture taking arena {ahem}. The camera is a great addition to the packet though as they have the kids work on a scavenger hunt and take pictures of themselves and other landmarks in their town.

Little Passports USA Texas

Every month {after receiving the initial start-up packet}, children will receive a new packet in the mail from Little Passports that includes the following materials to learn about 2 new states:

  • A 32-page activity-packed journal that covers the states
  • Stickers to use in the field guide for state flower, bird, official seal and more
  • Pop-out Models
  • Map markers
  • Postcards
  • and access to more information and activities online

My Thoughts on the Little Passports USA Edition

 

I have to say I am VERY impressed with the USA edition of Little Passports. The journals that come with each of the monthly packets are full color and not skimpy, providing science experiments, cooking ideas, and many other fun activities that go along with the state being studied. The New York and Texas packet that we received also included two different punch out 3D activities {the Alamo and a taxi cab – very cute!}. Additionally, the kids had postcards that they could save or mail to friends.

While we really like the World Edition of Little Passports {we are using it with our 6 year old}, I have to say that the Little Passports USA Edition went way beyond my expectations! The recommended ages for the program are 7 and up – and I would definitely stick with those guidelines {and maybe even say 8 and up based on a few of the activities}. The punch out activities are fun, but may require some assistance from adults, so be sure you are nearby when they are being worked on.

We love it enough that I am continuing our subscription {at our expense} for our 8 and 10 year old to share together. This will be great during the summer months as well {when school is out}. They love getting mail – and I like knowing they are learning {and don’t realize it!}.

If your family were to work through the entire program, there would be a good collection of books to review at the end of the program {26 months} and some fun creations from monthly activities. We’ll be saving a special shelf to keep all of our journals to review periodically and see what we’ve learned.

Overall, the Little Passports USA edition is a fun way to add a little excitement and geography learning to your school day. There are enough things included in the monthly packets that would allow a child to work on one or two things a day and spread out the learning fun over a time span. Add in the extra online activities that tie in with each state and your children will definitely be busy learning.

Find Out More

Little Passports is available on a month-to-month subscription basis, a 3 month subscription plan or longer term subscriptions. Rates vary from $10.95/month to $13.95/month based on the length of the plan that you choose. Packages are  delivered in your child’s name around the beginning of each month.

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We received a three month subscription to the Little Passports USA Edition in exchange for our honest review. Our decision to continue our monthly subscription at our own expense was entirely our own.

Tips for Attending a Homeschool Convention

Attending a homeschool convention can be a HUGE help and boost to your homeschool year. Workshops provide teaching and encouragement for families while vendor halls and tables provide an up close and personal look at resources you may need for your children’s education.

Tips for Attending a Homeschool Convention

These tips are my personal suggestion to make any homeschool convention fun! I will be attending the Annual Virginia Homeschool Convention {HEAV} at no cost and share about my experience there.

Before you attend a homeschool convention, here are a few things you may want to think about to make your trip a little less stressful and a whole lot more FUN!

  1. Determine your budget before you go. This may seem simple, but it is very easy to get carried away when you come upon that ‘perfect’ curriculum. Trust me – I know! Before you head out to the convention, sit down and know what you have to spend. Leave a little wiggle room though, because there are always lots of fun little things you’ll want to pick up for the kids while you are there!
  2. Bring your spouse or a friend. Attending the homeschool convention is always more fun if you have someone to share things with and bounce ideas back and forth. It also gives you a chance to ‘divide and conquer’. My husband has attended our homeschool convention every other year and likes to go to different sessions than I do, but we both share what we’re learning with each other. It’s a win-win!
  3. Review the speaker and workshop schedule before you attend. Most conventions offer a downloadable version of the convention schedule that you can go over before convention starts. Print it off, make notes in the margins and think about what workshops and sessions you would like to attend. You can narrow it down more when you get there.
  4. Attend workshops and take notes. That vendor hall will be enticing and there will be plenty of opportunity to visit, but you will be so very encouraged with the speakers and workshops that your convention provides. What you learn in the few days you are attending will be encouragement to you in the upcoming months as you continue to homeschool your family. Don’t underestimate what you can learn in a 45 minute session!
  5. Ask lots of questions! Make a list of questions you have for various companies and vendors. No question is too silly – I can guarantee they have been asked a wide variety of questions over the years and they are more than happy to help you out.  Be sure to grab catalogs as well from the vendors to review in your hotel room or at home.
  6. Make a list of what you are looking for and know the prices before heading out the door. There will be some great convention deals and some conventions have used curriculum sales {HEAV has a fabulous one!}. For example, that math curriculum you want may be $50 online {with free s/h} and the same price at the convention, but you have to lug it home. You may find it though for half the price. Because you also set up a budget, you may realize you have some extra wiggle room when all is said and done!
  7. Bring a rolling cart or something to haul around all of your goodies. Rolling suitcases also work great. Your arm will otherwise be a bit weary from the heavy books. Many vendors sell rolling carts at convention, but I’ve also seen them at Costco {and they collapse for easy storage}.
  8. Keep the kids happy. While we’ve never brought out children with us to convention, many offer a fabulous children’s program {HEAV offers a variety of programs for children and teens}. Some conventions allow children in the various sessions, so be sure to check to see if there are any age restrictions.
  9. Wear comfortable shoes. Think hard, cement floors and lots and lots of walking. And then add in another few hours of walking. Your feet will thank you for it {ask me how I know}.
  10. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy it! I hate to tell you, but you might not be able to conquer it all. That’s ok!! You have your list and your budget, so hopefully that will help you focus on what you need. Remember this: many conventions offer CDs or mp3 recordings of the various sessions from the weekend – take advantage of this. You can’t be in multiple places at once, but you can always listen to the recordings later {Note: the HEAV convention tells you in the schedule if a session will not be recorded, so you can be sure to attend those in person!}.

Last year I also shared my ten favorite things about the Home Educators of Virginia convention – not one of those reasons have changed!! Be sure to read that post here. You can also follow along this year with the #HEAVcon hashtag on Twitter. We’ll be sharing links and goodies leading up to the convention, and there will be a little something for everyone.

Attend the HEAV {Home Educators of Virginia} Convention!

One convention that I attend is the Home Educators of Virginia convention that is held annually in Richmond, VA. It has been a fabulous resource for encouragement, getting a peek at curriculum up close, and always has a collection of fabulous speakers.

 

 

Behold the Lamb Easter Wreath from Family Life

This post is our honest review of a product that we received for free. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

When a company creates a product that is both beautiful and helpful in sharing the true focus of Easter – well, they have my attention.  Family Life has put together another beautiful product to use year-round in your home – the Behold the Lamb Easter Wreath. You may remember their name because I recently shared The Messiah Mystery Lent study with you all a few weeks ago!

Behold the Lamb wreath-2   Behold the Lamb wreath-3

The Easter wreath is designed for use during the week leading up to Easter, starting on Palm Sunday. Each day families talk about eight  “I AM” statements from the book of John. A small burlap pouch holds the “I AM” statement cards and after reading and discussing the card, it is displayed in the wreath. The eight “I AM” statements include: the Messiah; the Bread of Life; the Light of the World; the Door; the Good Shepherd; the Way, Truth and the Life; the True Vine,  and the Resurrection and the Life.

Behold the Lamb Easter Wreath - teaches about eight 'I AM' statements of Jesus during the week before Easter

The Behold the Lamb wreath includes: an antique white 15”  metal wreath with folding metal stand, a magnetic and removable ‘I AM’ centerpiece, and eight ‘I AM’ devotional cards in a burlap pouch.

My Thoughts

Home décor is NOT one of my strong points. While our house is finally painted something other than the standard white, very little hangs on our walls or is displayed. This is one of those pieces that makes me feel like I’m adding a beautiful touch to the house and we are learning more about God at the same time.

I love the antique finish on the wreath and the fact that the ‘I AM’ center can be removed so the wreath can be used beyond just Easter time {it attaches to the frame with magnets and removes easily}. Depending on your home décor, you could also add family pictures cards, etc… and display it by hanging it on a wall in your entryway.  This fall, Family Life will also be releasing another booklet and set of cards to talk about gratitude with your family. I love that it is so versatile!

Our wreath is currently on a shelf in our dining room so we can see it every night at dinner. Where would you display your Easter wreath?

 

Find Out More

 

 

The Behold the Lamb Easter Wreath is available from the Family Life website and is currently $15 off – just in time to order for Easter. Based on the popularity of their Messiah Mystery product, I’d be sure to order early – those sold out quickly!

Jesus is the Good News ~ What’s In the Bible? Vol. 10

This post is our honest review of a product that we received for free. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

We’ve been on a tv break in our house, but when Jesus is the Good News, the latest volume in the What’s in the Bible? series arrived…well, it didn’t take long for the wrapping to get peeled off. And fully enjoyed.

What's in the Bible 525

Jesus is the Good News

In this latest installment of the What’s in the Bible? series, children are introduced to the New Testament and the coming of the Messiah. Through songs, puppets, and more the first four books of the New Testament are explored and explained in a way that children remember and enjoy.

Phil Vischer and his team have done another amazing job with this DVD. Our kids are learning more about the 400 years between the Old Testament and the New Testament, the arrival of the Messiah, the life and ministry of Jesus, and how the first four books of the New Testament are similar, but each have their own unique perspective on the life of Jesus.

This is a fabulous DVD to watch as well in preparation for Easter too!! The message of salvation and how Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies – I’ll be honest and tell you that it made me cry. :)

Take a minute to get a glimpse for yourself…

 

One of the things that I really appreciate about the What’s in the Bible? series is that they don’t water down things for children. They really go deep and teach  concepts that seem difficult, but do it in a fun way that engages children. We don’t just put these DVDs away in the cabinet and forget about them, but learn from them each time we watch them {parents included}.

My kids want me to be sure to tell you – watch the outtakes and bloopers. They are hilarious and will give you all some great laughs!

Grab the Coloring Pages Too!

If you have kids that enjoy coloring, there are some fun coloring pages to use with Jesus is the Good News.

Jesus is the Good News is available now from What’s in the Bible – order your copy today!

Maestro Classics CD Bundle Giveaway

Classical music is something that I love. It’s something that is played in our house to create a relaxing atmosphere and also something that we listen to learn about. Maestro Classics has created some fabulous tools for parents and children to use when learning more about music together including their homeschool music curriculum guide.

We personally own several of the Maestro Classics cds and recently purchased Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. Today I am so excited to share a giveaway of the Classic Composer Set from Maestro Classics!

Included in this 4 cd bundle are Peter and the Wolf, The Story of Swan Lake, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and My Name is Handel: The Story of Handel’s Water Music. Here’s a little more about each cd:

Peter and the Wolf: http://www.maestroclassics.com/peter-and-the-wolf.aspx
Peter and the Wolf: A young boy named Peter disobeys his grandfather and climbs over the garden wall. When he encounters a wolf, with quick thinking and the help of his friends – a bird, a duck and a cat – Peter captures the wolf and it is taken to the zoo.  A 24-page activity book included with the CD.  Ages 4+ and families. 

 

The Story of Swan Lake: http://www.maestroclassics.com/the-story-of-swan-lake.aspx

Swan Lake: Tchaikovsky’s greatest ballet score, is the tale of a prince who falls in love with a beautiful princess. The princess, however, has been turned into a swan by an evil magician, and only the prince’s love can break the spell. This narrated version of the classic tale for children is sure to delight all who love ballet and enchanting storytelling. A 24-page activity book included with the CD contains a biography of Tchaikovsky, information on acoustic and electric guitars, sheet music and words for a sing-along song, explanation of major and minor keys, puzzles and more.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice: http://www.maestroclassics.com/the-sorcerers-apprentice.aspx

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice: The lazy apprentice, confident that he can use his master’s spell to do his chores, chants the magic spell and takes a nap. As the water swirls around the workshop getting ever higher, the apprentice awakens, only to discover that he does not know the spell to stop the brooms! A thrilling narration accompanies Paul Dukas’ dramatic musical score. Includes a 24 page activity book.

My Name is Handel: The Story of Water Music: http://www.maestroclassics.com/handel-the-story-of-water-music.aspxMy Name is Handel: When Handel, the brilliant young German composer living in London, needed to get back into the king’s good graces, he had a brilliant idea.He composed a suite of dances, hired a boat and 50 musicians, and headed down the River Thames to surprise King George I. The music became known as "Water Music," one of Handel’s best-loved compositions.

Enter to Win the 4 CD Classic Bundle

Classic Music CD Pack from Maestro Classics

To enter to win this $65 set, be sure to use the Rafflecopter form below.  If you don’t see the Rafflecopter form, and you are reading in email or RSS, be sure to click over to the blog itself to enter!

Giveaway is open worldwide {residents outside the US will receive mp3 downloads of albums} and the giveaway ends on December 17, 2012 at 11:59pm.

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Apologia Educational Ministries ~ producing resources to help homeschool families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith.

Maestro Classics ~ introduce great music and classics stories to children with this classical music series. Don’t miss their newly released Carnival of Animals that you will want to check out!

Just for Bloggers: BEECH Retreat Giveaway

BEECHTIcket

Do you think you have a blogging purpose? Do you think it is just by chance that you have a little place on the internet? Or do you believe that you have been called to blog at this point in time for a purpose bigger than yourself?

Bloggers have influence and can make a difference ~ by using blogging to help their families, to teach and share with others online and more.

This doesn’t just happen. There are ins and outs of social media and blogging that need to be learned in order for your message seen and heard. The BEECH Retreat was created to be a creative, hands-on learning retreat dedicated to empowering bloggers to sharpen their skills, renew their vision, and broaden their influence while learning about social media, design, photography, blogging, SEO, time management, leadership and more.

Speakers at the BEECH Retreat

BEECH speakers

Michael Hyatt, Crystal Paine, Amanda Padgett, and other online leaders will be teaching and encouraging attendees of BEECH. The intentional smaller scale of the retreat allows you the opportunity to be heard, to ask questions, and the ability to establish friendships without the crowds. It will be an environment aiming to equip and empower the next generation of changers.

Additional speakers at the BEECH Retreat include Jimmie Lanley, Jolanthe Erb {that’s me}, and Rachel Martin, who will be speaking on the topics of social media, design, photography, blogging, SEO, time management, leadership and more.

What a Ticket to the BEECH Retreat Includes

The Beech Retreat will be held from January 31 – February 3, 2013 at at the gorgeous South Seas Island Resort in Captiva, Florida.

Your ticket to the BEECH Retreat covers your full retreat pass for all retreat events, including transportation from the RSW airport to the resort, bellman fees, resort fees, wi-fi, all sessions, all meals (beginning Thursday night through brunch on Sunday), all sponsor parties, and beautiful lodgings at Harbourside at South Seas Resort. At BEECH we don’t want you worrying about those incidentals – instead we want you to have the freedom to concentrate on your vision, and leave equipped to make a difference in the online world!

Find out more on the FAQ page at BEECHretreat.com.

Enter to win a full retreat pass to the BEECH Retreat!

BEECH Retreat Don't Miss Out

We believe that this is going to be such a powerful time, that we want to give one of you a chance to join us at the BEECH Retreat in January! One person will win a FULL pass to the BEECH Retreat ~ a $635 value.

Pay attention to all of the ways you can enter! You can tweet everyday for extra entries and also share on your blog about the BEECH Retreat!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The full pass to the BEECH Retreat covers all events Thursday, January 31 through Sunday, February 3, including all sessions, all meals, beginning Thursday night through lunch on Sunday, all sponsor parties, and beautiful lodgings at Harbourside, South Seas Island Resort. Travel and airfare expenses not included.

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Apologia Educational Ministries ~ producing resources to help homeschool families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith.
Grapevine Studies ~ effective, easy-to-teach Bible curriculum to disciple students ages five to adult.